The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index dipped five points in February as farmers expressed concern about higher costs for the upcoming planting season, shrinking confidence in future growth of U.S. agricultural exports, and weakening farmland values. ... Read More
An ag-tech startup in central Indiana has closed on a pre-seed funding round to advance its genetic development technology. Insignum AgTech, based in Atlanta, has created a process that allows plants to use their pigment to communicate health problems.... Read More
Many rustic barns that symbolize Indiana’s agrarian roots are falling into disrepair, but for those structures still standing, it’s time to salute their longevity. Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau are seeking nominations for the 2023 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation. ... Read More
The newly-named director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture says disappearing farmland as a result of economic development can be a difficult conversation. Some see the sale of farmland as a loss of heritage, while others see the potential upside, such as job creation. Don Lamb, who is a second-generation farmer from Boone County, says having those discussions is essential.... Read More
A second-generation farmer from Boone County has been named the new executive director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Don Lamb succeeds Bruce Kettler, who stepped down from the post in January to lead the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.... Read More
The Indiana Soybean Alliance says a new partnership with Illinois-based nonprofit Cutting Edge Curriculum will help Indiana’s middle-school teachers teach agriculture. Cutting Edge developed a variety of online, educational programs in a variety of fields, such as ag education, family and consumer sciences, and industrial technology.... Read More
The CEO of Evansville-based agbioscience startup Anu says a recently-awarded $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will allow the company to continue research and development for “a new” way to sustainably grow produce in your own kitchen. ... Read More
The co-CEOs of North Manchester-based MPS Egg Farms say several factors went into the decision to acquire its first operation in the southeast United States. The company purchased Country Charm Eggs in Georgia, which produces about 600 million eggs annually.... Read More
A sixth-generation family egg producer in northeast Indiana is continuing with its growth plans. MPS Egg Farms, based in North Manchester, has acquired Country Charm Eggs in Georgia, marking the company's first foray into the southeastern U.S. ... Read More
Purdue University has announced plans to construct a pilot-scale aquaponics system on campus to produce tilapia and lettuce. The university has received a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help cover some of the costs.... Read More
The results of a monthly survey conducted by the Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability show food costs are up 19% from a year ago. However, the Consumer Food Insights Report shows shoppers are taking steps to keep their food budgets in check... Read More
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is seeking project proposals from Indiana's specialty crop sector for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.... Read More
Indiana farmland values had the biggest one-year increase than any Midwestern state in 2022, according to the latest report from the Seventh Federal Reserve Bank district in Chicago. The quarterly report reveals good quality farmland in the Hoosier State jumped 23% higher compared to Jan. 1, 2022.... Read More
Travelers at the Indianapolis International Airport can now taste some Hoosier-grown foods as they wait to catch a flight. The Farmers’ Market restaurant opened Tuesday in Concourse B. It serves a menu of foods made from ingredients grown and produced by 60 members of the Indiana Grown initiative.... Read More
Farmers entered 2023 with a slightly more positive outlook of the economy, according to recent results from the Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose four points above the December outlook to a reading of 130. ... Read More
Purdue agronomy professor Jianxin Ma has been named the first Indiana Soybean Alliance Endowed Chair in Soybean Improvement. The alliance says it established the chair to advance soybean research in areas, such as genome editing and phenotyping.... Read More
A Purdue startup, which was just named to a prestigious business school list of “most fundable” companies, is also reaping awards at home. West Lafayette-based OmniVis was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Purdue Ag-Celerator, an agriculture innovation fund. ... Read More
Consumers across the country continue to feel the sticker shock when it comes to the price of eggs, but is there relief in sight? In December, the average cost of a dozen eggs was $4.25, compared to $1.79 a year prior, according to data from Purdue University.... Read More
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has promoted David Coates to director of the economic development division. Coates previously served as the department's agribusiness engagement director.... Read More
Evansville-based Heliponix LLC is receiving nearly $1 million from a Phase II National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant, as well as $75,000 in matching funds from Elevate Ventures in Indianapolis. The agbioscience startup says the funding will help it continue research and development efforts for its automated aeroponic appliance.... Read More
